Jezebel paid witches on Etsy to curse Charlie Kirk just days before his assassination, sparking outrage

A feminist news and opinion website Jezebel admitted to paying self-described witches on Etsy to place ‘curses’ on Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder, just two days before he was tragically assassinated during a public event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.

Sometime after Kirk’s assassination, on receiving backlash for the article’s content and ethical credibility, Jezebel added an editor’s note above the article condemning the killing of Charles Kirk and the violent nature of the crime.

The Jezebel article and its content

On September 8, 2025, Jezebel published an article titled “We Paid Some Etsy Witches to Curse Charlie Kirk.” The piece was written in a satirical tone and explored the growing online marketplace for occult services, particularly focusing on the ease with which anyone could purchase spells or hexes on Etsy.


The unnamed reporter detailed interactions with several witches who claimed to have cast powerful curses aimed at disrupting Kirk’s work and personal life. The wishes were simple – for Kirk's podcast microphone to fail, for him to suffer social rejection, “one of his socks to always be sliding down his foot” and for such wishes, two curses well cast–"make everyone hate him”, and a “powerful hex spell” designed to undermine him.

The article also mentioned getting proof of the spells being successfully cast with photos reportedly sent by one witch showing an image of Kirk engulfed in flames, with a cryptic message: “Trust the unseen.”

Despite the provocative premise, the article made a point to clarify that the reporter was not hoping for actual physical harm, instead, aiming for symbolic disruptions and misfortunes meant to counterbalance Kirk’s public influence.

Public outrage and Jezebel’s response

The article swiftly drew backlash, particularly after Kirk’s assassination. Critics condemned Jezebel for the timing and tone of the piece, accusing the outlet of fostering a hostile rhetoric that could have contributed to a violent atmosphere. Social media users questioned the morality of commissioning curses on a public figure days before their killing, with some calling for investigations into whether the article blurred ethical or legal lines.

In response, Jezebel later added an editor’s note at the top of the article, condemning Kirk’s murder– “This story was published on September 8. Jezebel condemns the shooting of Charlie Kirk in the strongest possible terms. We do not endorse, encourage, or excuse political violence of any kind.”

The assassination of Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk, a polarizing figure in the nation’s culture wars and a key voice in the conservative movement, was shot in the neck by an unknown assailant during an outdoor Q&A session in Utah. The attack sent shockwaves through political circles, with leaders from across the spectrum condemning the violence and calling for calm.

The Jezebel article, penned and published mere days before this tragedy, has become an unwelcome focal point in the conversation about political discourse, media responsibility, and the rise of politically motivated violence. Whether through satire or social critique, Jezebel’s engagement with occult “cursing” intersected in eerie timing with an event that would claim Kirk’s life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What did Jezebel do exactly?
Jezebel paid several Etsy witches to place symbolic “curses” on Charlie Kirk, ranging from social misfortune spells to more theatrical hexes, for an article published two days before Kirk’s assassination.

Q2: Did Jezebel intend real harm?
The article repeatedly clarified that the reporter did not wish physical harm and that the piece was satirical cultural commentary, not an endorsement of violence.

Q3: How did Jezebel respond after Kirk’s death?
They added an editor’s note condemning the violence and stated they do not support or excuse any political violence.

Q5: Does this have legal implications?
No legal charges have been reported related to the article; however, some social media users have called for investigations.